Simone Lia

I thought this was a great leap forward for Lia in terms of sophistication and complexity in her storytelling. I like her previous work, but it isn't really my type of thing. For me, this has more depth and complexity, and hence is far more satisfying. The book deals a lot with Lia's spirituality and her inquisitiveness about religion, which I found really fascinating, particularly as it was coupled with her quirky humour. I think ultimately that's what I really liked in this book - serious show more subjects related through Lia's whimsical viewpoint. show less

This was a quick fun read. It is not normally a book I would pick up as a homeschool mom of 5, however, it is a book I would hand my beginning reader. It is funny and amusing in a slapstick sort of way. Laurence is going to enjoy Marcus for breakfast one morning when suddenly they strike up a conversation. Turns out Laurence wants to go to Africa and is convinced that Marcus can show him the way.Both characters are a little foolish and ignorant, but that adds to their charm. There are also show more some "suspension of belief" moments in the book where someone goes to sleep and suddenly there is a plot jump. Again, it fits the type of book this is. I enjoyed this story for what it was and know that kids between 5-9ish and boys a bit older will enjoy it too. Topics are travel and friendship. show less

This very original story hides a complex meaning beneath a seemingly absurd, childish tale. Fluffy the bunny is the not quite metaphorical child of Michael, who flees Britain to his parents' house in Sicily to escape a demanding girlfriend (and avoid questioning his meaningless life). Reuniting with his dysfunctional family and thanks to the gentle probing of his bunny-child, Michael somehow finds the inspiration to get on with his life.

The publisher's description accurately captures the spirit of this book.

"A hungry chicken (who thinks he’s a flamingo) and a quick-thinking worm set off on a madcap adventure — and forge an unlikely friendship."

Published first in the UK, it has a definite feel of British humor, which I enjoy. I often think that we, as Americans, take ourselves too seriously. Canadians and Brits definitely have a quirkier funny bone, and it is on full display in They Didn't Teach This in Worm School. When show more Marcus and Laurence set off on their adventure, the goal is to find Africa so that Laurence can unite with his "fellow" flamingos. Along the way, they become convinced that they've found France because of the many "Eiffel Towers" (electricity pylons) that they encounter.

Marcus and Laurence take this all in stride, even the fact that no one in "France" seems to speak French. Things go poorly and, aided by some local worms, they narrowly escape with their lives, prompting Marcus to remark,

"I was really glad to have met these French worms.
They were really kind and helpful.
I liked them, even though they were weirdos."

Their adventures continue in a similar zany vein until eventually, all is sorted out, and the two have become fast friends despite their disparate interests.

Every page is illustrated to some degree, and there are occasional double-spread images throughout. Simone Lia's illustrations bear some resemblance to those of Sara Varon, but have more straight-up humor and none of Varos' pathos.

They Didn't Teach This in Worm School is a perfect choice for readers with a quirky sense of humor who won't mind a rather heavy-handed dose of ethics on the friendship front.

Images and more on my blog: https://shelf-employed.blogspot.com/2017/11/they-didnt-teach-this-in-worm-school... show less